Nepal extends constituent assembly tenure by six more months

A day prior to end of its tenure, Nepal’s Parliament amended the interim constitution for the 11th time on Tuesday extending the constituent assembly’s (CA) tenure by six more months. Utpal Parashar reports.

A day prior to end of its tenure, Nepal’s Parliament amended the interim constitution for the 11th time on Tuesday extending the constituent assembly’s (CA) tenure by six more months.

This was the fourth extension of the CA which is yet to complete drafting of a new constitution. The CA was formed in May 2008 with a deadline to frame the statute within two years.

Tuesday’s development follows a six-point deal signed by major parties earlier in the day to extend the CA tenure, complete peace process and form a national unity government.

The deal was signed by ruling Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), United Democratic Madeshi Front and opposition Nepali Congress and Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist).

Leaders of the parties agreed to speed up work on the peace process and drafting of the new constitution as agreed upon in a seven-point deal signed earlier this month.

All issues concerning the peace process that were to be completed within November 23 as per the old agreement will now be finished by December 15.

It was also agreed that a time-bound action plan for drafting the new statute would be put in place by December 6 and the first report of the state restructuring commission submitted within two months.

There was consensus on forming a national unity government that would replace the present coalition at the earliest.

Last week, the Supreme Court had stated that the CA tenure should be extended one last time for six months. If the new statute is not drafted within that deadline, CA should be dissolved and fresh elections held.